Essaouira in December
Not the best time
December marks the return of cooler, wetter weather and rock-bottom prices. It's perfect for budget-conscious travelers who don't mind bundling up for evening strolls through the medina.
Weather
December brings cooler temperatures and increasing rainfall as winter approaches. The Atlantic winds can feel sharp on overcast days, and humidity levels rise. Rain comes more frequently but rarely lasts all day.
19°C high11°C low7 rain days
Crowds & Cost
low crowds
~$50/day average
Events & Festivals
- •New Year's celebrations
December Tips
- •Pack warm clothes for evening - temperatures drop significantly after sunset
- •Many riads offer winter discounts up to 50% off peak rates
- •Check restaurant hours - some reduce winter schedules
All Months
April through June gives you the sweet spot. Temperatures hover around 22-25°C, the wind stays manageable, and you avoid both winter rain and summer crowds. May particularly shines — warm enough for beach time, cool enough for medina wandering.
September through November works almost as well. The Atlantic stays warm from summer heating, but the oppressive July-August wind calms down. October brings perfect weather, though hotel prices reflect that.
Winter (December-March) means rain and rough seas. January averages 8 rainy days, and the Atlantic gets too choppy for swimming. But accommodation costs drop by 40%, and you'll have the medina largely to yourself.
Summer presents challenges. The trade winds that keep Essaouira cooler than inland cities also create constant 30-40 km/h gusts. Great for windsurfers, exhausting for everyone else. July and August see the medina packed with Moroccan families escaping the heat of Casablanca and Rabat.
Essaouira Scores
Solo
8/10
Couples
8/10
Families
7/10
Adventure
7/10
Budget
8/10
Luxury
6/10
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